Professional Amplifiers Market still in Disarray, though Lucrative Future Ahead

As live events return in force, the professional amplifiers market continues to see strong levels of recovery. There remain some significant challenges for the industry, however revenues are on track to reach new heights over the coming years. A new report from Futuresource Consulting sets the scene for full recovery and investigates the future opportunity for professional power amplifiers across a range of applications.

A Catalogue of Challenges

From component and packaging material shortages, to supply chain disruptions due to factory fires, droughts, blackouts, freight problems and pandemic lockdowns, the professional amplifier segment has had a rough ride. And because pro audio competes with home electronics and personal devices for components and supply chain prioritisation, the challenge has intensified.

At the same time, many manufacturers have seen significant fluctuations in demand, making planning and procurement even more difficult to handle. The result of all these issues has been rising prices, reduced margins and extreme lead times on orders.

Although supply chains have seen improvement as of late, moving into 2022 and beyond there remain concerns that raw material supplies will be impacted significantly by the war in Ukraine. Adding to this, high inflation and likely economic recessions in key nations will also play a part in hindering recovery.

Growth Opportunities Shining Through

“But it’s not all been one hot mess,” says James Kirby, Senior Market Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. “As theatres, music venues and houses of worship have seen demand return, this has driven fantastic recovery for installed live sound equipment. And as people venture beyond their living rooms again, many venues are eager to set themselves apart and draw crowds back in force. Audio plays a large part in this push.

“Retail was also one of the areas which returned at a faster pace following the pandemic. Now, in many nations, clothing stores and other important AV applications have shown high levels of recovery.”

“Moving forwards the amplifiers market will continue to show strong recovery across a range of applications. Despite the adverse economic conditions, the market is still expected to reach near full pace in 2023, driven by high levels of event demand and continued growth in key commercial audio applications.”

A Successful Future for Pro Amplifiers

Futuresource expects the pro amplifier market to fully recover in 2024, exceeding 2019’s market value by some way. The firm also reports a 2021 to 2026 value CAGR upwards of 10%, with volume experiencing a CAGR of above 5% over the same period.

For further information or to purchase the professional power amplifier market assessment report from Futuresource Consulting, please contact ben.thrussell@futuresource-hq.com

About the author

James Kirby

James manages the Professional Audio team at Futuresource, reporting and consulting across product categories including Professional Loudspeakers, Microphones, Amplifiers, Mixers, Content Creation, DSP, Audio Collaboration and more. With a background spanning broader AV, James applies his passion for audio and in-depth knowledge of AV market dynamics to all the areas he covers. With the audio and visual worlds colliding, James is also increasingly involved with Futuresource’s Collaboration services, and frequently provides consultation and reports relating to AV Conferencing.

Harnessing his personal experiences as an end-user in these markets, James is driven by his enthusiasm and passion to bring high-quality research to the pro audio industry. This passion is reflected in his regular conversations with manufacturers and professionals across the supply chain. James holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business with Economics, with specialisms in Applied Strategy.